Paul returns to the theme of 6:13. He is again pleading for a place in their hearts. He further defends himself against criticism, verse 2. Ministers must not act to the wronging , corrupting or defrauding any person. There is no area in which it is more easy to do so than in preaching the gospel. We must never curtail or corrupt the message we preach or apply its truth in such a fashion as to harm anyone.

Any criticism Paul offered was not in order to condemn them, verse 3. Rather, they had a special place in his heart so that to live and die with them was all he desired. To serve Christ amongst them his whole existence.

Because of this affection he could speak boldly to them and often gloried in them to others, 7:14, 9:3-4. He was made to rejoice in the midst of tribulation by news of their obedience, 5-7.

The occasion of Paul’s state of anxiety, verse 5, was his having to wait to see how his 1st epistle, in which he condemned their sins, had been received by them. Their reaction was one of sorrow which made Paul happy!

There is a sorrow about which we should be glad — it is that they sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, verse 9.

From this portion, learn:—

I. THE REBUKING OF SIN IS NO INDICATION OF A LACK OF AFFECTION

1. True love cannot withhold the word of rebuke. Jer 9:1, 13:17. There many tears behind the stern words of Jeremiah. In this he pictures Christ, Luke 19:41.
2. See the other side of the stern rebukes. Verses 5-8; 2:4. The people of Corinth did not see the anxious, troubled man who waited to hear how his words had been received. He was as a man imprisoned and pressed on every side by fear.
3. It might be argued that it is the rebuker who suffers the greater pain. Paul’s pain started from the moment he knew of the sin of the Corinthians and continued after they had found comfort through repentance.